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Photos: Courtesy Surf School Lanzarote

HEAD SOUTH THIS WINTER FOR SUNSHINE, SURF AND SUBLIME SEAFOOD

Escaping the Northern European winter is a wise idea at least once a season. Get yourself some welcome vitamin D, see some sunshine, get some fresher than fresh seafood down your gullet. If you can team that up with scoring some world class surf then all the better.

One option that always crops up in the ‘where to hit for a winter run’ discussion is the Canaries. 60 miles off the coast of Morocco they’re far enough south to be actually warm, but close enough to not be a hassle travel wise. Plenty of wave options from mad barrels to beginner beach breaks and with EasyJet and co now running flights it’s also a bargain destination flight wise.

The volcanic islands once known as the Fortunate Isles didn’t get their name from tweety birds but from dogs, ‘Islas Canarias’ comes from the Latin name ‘Canariae Insulae’, meaning ‘Islands of the Dogs’. But they’re a lot nicer than the Isle of Dogs in London, that’s for sure.

There’s surf on every island but we always gravitate to the stunning volcanic landscapes and reefs of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Both islands have been popular with Brits since the surf potential was unveiled in the late ’80s and there’s a thriving surf scene wherever you go. Being popular with normal tourists also means rental cars and food are well priced and getting supplies is a doddle.

Of course local knowledge is key for any trip so check out the crew featured here that offer accommodation and coaching. They’ll get you wherever is best for your abilities and make sure you get the maximum enjoyment from your mission. Not to mention pointing you in the direction of the best bars and restaurants.

An annual Canaries mission is as essential as the summer Europe run … get stuck in.

WHEN TO GO: October-March
AIRPORT: Arrecife (Lanza) and Fuerteventura from all main UK/Ireland hubs
ACCOMMODATION: See our recommended guide 0verleaf.
LANGUAGE: Spanish
CURRENCY: Euros
RUBBER: A 3mm will do ya.
WATCH OUT FOR: Urchins, sharp reef and sunburn
AFTER DARK: Depending on where you stay it can be delightfully quiet and chill or bonkers mad party time. Whatever you desire in essence.
ALTERNATIVE EXCITEMENT: Ride camels, parasail, explore volcanic landscapes, snorkel in ridiculously lively seas, then eat those critters.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

Photos: Azulfit/7IslandSurf  

7IslandSurf + Azulfit Retreat

Location: Fuerteventura

Surfing, yoga and Pilates is the perfect match. Join us on our paradise island to deepen your practice, experience the thrill of Europe’s finest waves, or to simply indulge in the relaxing massage therapies. Whether a solo adventure, with a a friend or partner, every detail is taken care of.

With healthy and delicious food and a warm friendly team, all set within the rejuvenating and chilled wellbeing environment of Europe’s leading yoga and pilates retreat, this experience is so much more than just a holiday. Tranquil, beautiful accommodation, empty white sand beaches, world class yoga and pilates teaching, knowledgable and safe surfing instruction plus food that will leave you feeling refuelled and inspired. This is the Yoga, Pilates & Surfing retreat that you can come home to.

Discover your perfect activity, at your pace, guided and supported throughout your journey. Make your next surf holiday an experience to last a lifetime.

Oasis Surf House

Location: Lanzarote

A home away from home, The Canary Islands: Oasis Surf House is a B&B Guest House set on a mountain side in a quiet rural village, away from the crowds and close to the surf. 

With shared, private and family rooms available, we have options for all budgets and travelling situations. For lunch and evening meals there’s a great choice of restaurants in neighbouring villages or you can hit our village store for local and authentic delights and prepare a feast in our fully equipped kitchen. 

The north coast of Lanzarote is a playground for any surfer, beginner to pro and Oasis Surf House is perfectly located between two famous surf spots; Famara and La Santa. Post surf, watch the sun go down whilst enjoying a BBQ and fire pit and take in the stunning views from our rooftop terrace. Plus there’s cycling, hiking, wine tasting, sunbathing and more!

Protest Surfcenter

Location: Fuerteventura

The Protest Surfcenter in Corralejo offers all you need to boost your surfing to the next level: a pro surf shop with the best brands, board rentals, an official surf school for beginners as well as advanced surfers in small groups, and package surf camps in our cosy Surfhouse (shared dorms or private rooms), Sports Luxury Hotels or private apartments and houses.

The staff are all experienced and motivated surfers with good vibes, who love to pass their local knowledge on to you. Fuerteventura has summer temperatures and sunshine all year round and because of it’s round coastline shape there are always perfect waves to find no matter what the weather or wind conditions bring.

The instructors know the island as no other to make sure you get the right waves for your level and get the most out of your surfing holidays. Surf your dreams, relax and have fun!

Surf School Lanzarote

Location: Lanzarote

Surf School Lanzarote has been considered to use the best technical coaching system for all levels of surfers for over 21 years. Coaching from beginner to WQS surfers we know our system works. Surfing is of course fun. Surfing even better than you have ever done, well it’s obvious. Just more fun! With amazing coaching, great accommodation, consistent surf and based all in the most stunning scenery imaginable. Come and join us.
With ratios being 4 to1and using experienced ISA coaches and daily video analysis our approach is to offer the latest sports science in surf coaching. This is backed up by 35 years of continuous qualified experience right through to pro surfers and national champions.
If its short board, midrange or longboard coaching you need we work with you in the most amazing surf conditions that provide a perfect platform for your surfing development. Come and join us.